NEW BEDFORD FILM FESTIVAL

APRIL 10-13, 2025

Are you ready for the New Bedford Film Festival 2025? April 10-13, 2025 we will be celebrating bold and diverse cinematic stories and storytellers in the whaling city of New Bedford, Massachusetts for our second year!

Filmmakers - There is still time to be a part of NBFF 2025! Late Submission Deadline is December 1st! Submit your film now!

Film lovers and makers, save these dates to experience the New Bedford Film Festival for your first or second time!

We look forward to having you!

About the NBFF

The 2024 New Bedford Film Festival wrapped its inaugural year in a triumphant bow. Audiences reveled in a diverse film selection, sparking lively discussion and fostering connections between filmmakers and movie lovers.

Historic New Bedford transformed into a celebration of cinematic storytelling infusing within the city's vibrant art scene. NBFF's success paves the way for an even grander event in 2025.

Join us in the South Coast for another year of cinematic magic.

Submissions are now open for New Bedford Film Festival 2025!

Submission Deadlines:

  • September 30, 2024 | Early Bird Deadline

  • October 31, 2024 | Regular Deadline

  • December 1, 2024 | Late Deadline

  • January 15, 2025 | Extended Deadline

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The New Bedford Film Festival showcases authentic and powerful cinematic stories, while also cultivating emerging storytellers and promoting the city's growing creative economy.

Taking place in the vibrant South Coast region of Massachusetts, this annual festival is committed to showcasing a diverse range of human experiences through various formats including short and feature films, student shorts, music videos, episodic, documentary shorts, and PSA shorts.

With venues including the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Steeple Playhouse, and Gallery X, the festival offers simultaneous screenings and ample space for networking and panel discussions. Each evening, attendees are invited to network and celebrate the filmmakers, with different awards being presented.

The opening night event will be held at the prestigious New Bedford Whaling Museum Theater, where technical award winners will be recognized during the festivities. The closing Academy-award-style ceremony at Steeple Playhouse will award talent and the top award for each category.

Throughout the day, festival-goers are encouraged to explore the downtown area and take advantage of special promotions offered by local small businesses when presenting their official NBFF badge.

NOTIFICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2025
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT: MARCH 15, 2025

  • “The New Bedford Film Festival is a welcome addition to the city’s thriving arts and culture sector.”

    — Jon Mitchell | Mayor of New Bedford

  • "It’s a great draw for tourism as it attracts visitors to the city while also inspiring pride among the local community as the city’s landmarks and attractions transform into backdrops for local films."

    — Ashley Payne | Director of Tourism and Marketing for the City of New Bedford

  • "Join us in celebrating the vibrant creativity of filmmakers from New Bedford and beyond at our four-day event showcasing amazing screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to grow New Bedford into an industry powerhouse, providing resources and support for local creators year-round.”

    — Ethan de Aguiar | Founder of New Bedford Film Festival